CREATE AN HERB CONTAINER: Tasty and good for you!
By Leslie Roman-Williams | Photographed By Gina Denniston

Herbs grown in a container are great for cooking and seasoning food. Over history, people have believed herbs also offer health benefits.

Janet V. Starkey, RD, CDE, notes "many herbs are a source of compounds that can be used to nourish and heal the body. Used in cooking, most herbs are usually considered safe when used in small doses. I would encourage people to experiment with culinary herbs for the pure pleasure and enjoyment of eating." She adds, "When used as medicinals, the dose is usually higher and caution should rule as there could be undesirable chemical interactions. For example, sage interferes with iron absorption and in 'medicinal does' should not be taken by persons with seizure disorders or taken during pregnancy. When in doubt, check it out."

Starkey references Tyler's Herbs of Choice—The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals by James E. Robbers, PhD and Varro E. Tyler, PhD, ScD (Haworth Herbal Press).

1. Thyme has been used for centuries as a natural antiseptic. It is an herb that helps the body digest fatty foods like meat, but its strong taste may limited you to the traditional "bouquet garni."
2. Sage is considered by some to be beneficial in relieving mucous buildup and soothing sore throats. It is used often in dressings for poultry dishes like duck.
3. Oregano is believed to be useful in treating dry or itchy skin. It goes hand in hand with tomato dishes but can also be used to complement almost any meat.
4. Basil with its scent of cloves, is particularly important in Hindu households and is thought to be a cold remedy. It pairs well with Mediterranean cooking; eggs and cheese dishes.